Marijuana legalization has been a hot topic in recent years, and many states have taken steps to legalize the drug for medical or recreational use. As of 2021, 36 states and Washington D.C. have legalized marijuana in some form, with 15 states and Washington D.C. legalizing it for recreational use. Here is a list of states that have legalized marijuana and when it was made legal:
- Alaska: Legalized recreational marijuana in 2014
- Arizona: Legalized recreational marijuana in 2020
- Arkansas: Legalized medical marijuana in 2016
- California: Legalized medical marijuana in 1996 and recreational marijuana in 2016
- Colorado: Legalized recreational marijuana in 2012
- Connecticut: Legalized medical marijuana in 2012 and decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana in 2011
- Delaware: Legalized medical marijuana in 2011 and decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana in 2015
- District of Columbia: Legalized medical marijuana in 2010 and recreational marijuana in 2014
- Florida: Legalized medical marijuana in 2016
- Hawaii: Legalized medical marijuana in 2000
- Illinois: Legalized recreational marijuana in 2020, and medical marijuana in 2013
- Louisiana: Legalized medical marijuana in 2021
- Maine: Legalized recreational marijuana in 2016 and medical marijuana in 1999
- Maryland: Legalized medical marijuana in 2014
- Massachusetts: Legalized recreational marijuana in 2016 and medical marijuana in 2012
- Michigan: Legalized recreational marijuana in 2018 and medical marijuana in 2008
- Minnesota: Legalized medical marijuana in 2014
- Mississippi: Legalized medical marijuana in 2021
- Missouri: Legalized medical marijuana in 2018
- Montana: Legalized medical marijuana in 2004 and recreational marijuana in 2020
- Nevada: Legalized recreational marijuana in 2016 and medical marijuana in 2000
- New Hampshire: Legalized medical marijuana in 2013
- New Jersey: Legalized recreational marijuana in 2020 and medical marijuana in 2010
- New Mexico: Legalized medical marijuana in 2007
- New York: Legalized medical marijuana in 2014 and decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana in 2019
- North Dakota: Legalized medical marijuana in 2016
- Ohio: Legalized medical marijuana in 2016
- Oklahoma: Legalized medical marijuana in 2018
- Oregon: Legalized medical marijuana in 1998 and recreational marijuana in 2014
- Pennsylvania: Legalized medical marijuana in 2016
- Rhode Island: Legalized medical marijuana in 2006
- South Dakota: Legalized medical and recreational marijuana in 2020
- Vermont: Legalized recreational marijuana in 2018 and medical marijuana in 2004
- Virginia: Legalized medical marijuana in 2020 and decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana in 2021
- Washington: Legalized recreational marijuana in 2012 and medical marijuana in 1998
- West Virginia: Legalized medical marijuana in 2017
It's worth noting that marijuana remains illegal under federal law, but the states listed above have legalized it in some form, whether it be for medical or recreational use. In addition, some states have decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana, meaning that possession is still technically against the law, but the penalties are less severe.
As the legalization of marijuana continues to spread across the United States, it is important to be aware of the laws in your state and to use marijuana responsibly. If you're considering using marijuana for medical or recreational purposes, it's important to speak with a healthcare professional and to educate yourself about the risks and benefits of marijuana use.
While many states have legalized marijuana in some form, there are still some states where marijuana has not yet been legalized. These states have either failed to pass legislation to legalize marijuana or have not yet had the opportunity to vote on it. Some of the states where marijuana has failed to pass the vote on making it legal include:
Idaho: Idaho has some of the strictest marijuana laws in the country, and marijuana remains illegal for both medical and recreational use.
Indiana: Indiana has not yet legalized marijuana for any use, although a bill to legalize medical marijuana was proposed in 2021.
Kansas: Kansas has not yet legalized marijuana for any use, and possession of marijuana is still a criminal offense.
Kentucky: Kentucky has not yet legalized marijuana for any use, and possession of marijuana is still a criminal offense.
Nebraska: Nebraska has not yet legalized marijuana for any use, and possession of marijuana is still a criminal offense.
North Carolina: North Carolina has not yet legalized marijuana for any use, and possession of marijuana is still a criminal offense.
South Carolina: South Carolina has not yet legalized marijuana for any use, and possession of marijuana is still a criminal offense.
Tennessee: Tennessee has not yet legalized marijuana for any use, and possession of marijuana is still a criminal offense.
Texas: Texas has legalized medical marijuana but has not yet legalized it for recreational use, possession of marijuana is still a criminal offense.
Wyoming: Wyoming has not yet legalized marijuana for any use, and possession of marijuana is still a criminal offense.
It's worth noting that marijuana laws are constantly changing, and some of these states may eventually legalize marijuana in the future. Additionally, some states have decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana, meaning that possession is still technically against the law, but the penalties are less severe.
In conclusion, while marijuana has been legalized in many states, there are still some states where marijuana has failed to pass the vote on making it legal. In these states, possession and use of marijuana is still considered a criminal offense and can result in penalties such as fines and imprisonment. It's important to be aware of the laws in your state and to use marijuana responsibly if it's legal in your state.